Lee soccer teams square off with Rockwall

Robert E. Lee boys soccer has enjoyed being unbeaten and in first place, but had both taken away Tuesday in a 2-1 loss at North Mesquite.

Fortunately for the Red Raiders it can get back on the right track and regain first place in the District 12-5A standings if it defeats Rockwall. The teams meet at 7 p.m. Friday at REL Soccer Field.

Lee hasn’t faced Rockwall in a district soccer match since 2005, and like that game almost a decade ago, this one has big-time implications in the overall league title race. The Red Raiders (4-1-0, 12 pts) are currently three points behind Rockwall (5-1-0, 15 pts) in second place, but REL has a game-in-hand on the Yellowjackets.

The Red Raiders gave up a goal in the closing seconds of the first half and was called for a foul in the second half that awarded North Mesquite a penalty kick in their loss.

Lee coach Marty Germany wasn’t happy with the call, but added his team needs to play better.

“We didn’t do enough to win the game … and we need to bounce back from it,” Germany said. “We are moving passed this and the next task at hand which is Rockwall.”

Girls

The Lady Raiders saw a two-goal lead evaporate and then were on the verge of losing themselves until a late goal from Julia Harrison tied their match with North Mesquite, 3-3, with REL winning the penalty kick shootout.

It goes down as a tie on the overall record, but Lee coach Chris Woodard was thrilled to get the Lady Raiders (0-4-1, 2 pts) their first points in the District 12-5A standings.

It snapped a six-match winless run for Lee, which next faces Rockwall at 7 p.m. at Wilkerson-Sanders Memorial Stadium in Rockwall.

“We were 7-2 before we got on this boat and it’s just been tough,” Woodard said. “It’s hard to go through that and the disappointment, so (it was) just (good) see everyone smiling (after Tuesday’s result.”

Rockwall (2-0-3, 11 pts) is still unbeaten in district with three of its matches coming down to penalty kick shootouts. The Yellowjackets beat Rockwall-Heath 2-0 on Tuesday.